Columbia Public Schools entered the 21st century of learning last school year.

Virtual High School, or VHS, is Columbia Public Schools’ new online learning option for high school students.

During the spring semester, at least 25 Columbia students joined students across the nation in virtual courses. The change let the district continue to offer classes that might have been canceled because of small enrollments.

VHS was the first expansion of the district’s online courses since a state law passed encouraging schools to develop more online offerings.

The district plans to expand its online offerings further in future years.

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The University of Missouri System wants to close that gap between technological advances and traditional academia. Steve Graham, vice president of academic affairs, envisions a modern academic landscape where faculty members incorporate interactive tools and videos and online resources into their courses to marry the technology students already use with the traditional curricula they learn on campus.

“I would love to see rich resources in the form of instruction and discussion among faculty members and a culture of supporting this,” he said.

There are barriers. On the Columbia campus, an online learning system already exists, and internal politics will likely snag any efforts to re-create an e-learning environment.

There will be faculty members who aren’t interested in embracing digital devices and might resist efforts to change.

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ST. LOUIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The St. Louis Kaplan University Learning Center, an instructional and support services site, began offering center-based classes today. The Center will help serve the community’s need for business-focused education by introducing a blended-learning model, combining online and campus-based instruction for students seeking bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Located at 1807 Park 270 Dr. in St. Louis, the Learning Center also provides on-site support services to area Kaplan University online students, allowing for greater student flexibility, convenience and personalization.

“As our first institution in Missouri, the St. Louis Learning Center brings together the proven online learning and curriculum with the added benefits and resources of a brick-and-mortar location,” said Beth Hollenberg, president of Kaplan Higher Education Campuses. “The center shows how we are continually seeking to better our student experience and support the community’s needs for an educated workforce.”

For the rest of the article, go to Kaplan University Learning Center Opens in St. Louis